the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase `the whys and wherefores' question word; what is the reason (`how come' is a nonstandard variant); "why are you here?"; "how come he got an ice cream cone but I didn't?

The invoice, or supporting documentation should indicate the reason for the purchase of goods or services

Exclamation of surprise

Ce'liran?english | adronato

You use why at the beginning of a clause in which you talk about the reasons for something. He still could not throw any further light on why the elevator could have become jammed Experts wonder why the US government is not taking similarly strong actions against AIDS in this country I can't understand why they don't want us. Why is also an adverb. I don't know why It's obvious why Here's why

The reason or cause for which; that on account of which; on what account; as, I know not why he left town so suddenly; used as a compound relative

To control the thickness of steel better at lower capital cost, and to roll thinner sheets and strips

See the Note under What, pron

A young heifer

Touting the motto, "Today a reader, tomorrow a leader," CDP views dictionaries as perhaps the first and most powerful reference and active educational tool that a child should own Dedicated to improving literacy in California's public schools one child at a time, CDP works with volunteer organizations and individuals to distribute free dictionaries annually to third graders during classroom visits As funding for the organization grows, CDP will expand to the rest of the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond

For which; on account of which; used relatively

{a} wherefore, for what reason

question word; what is the reason (`how come' is a nonstandard variant); "why are you here?"; "how come he got an ice cream cone but I didn't?"

You use why with `not' in questions in order to introduce a suggestion. Why not give Claire a call? Why don't we talk it through?

for what reason?; for what purpose?

{i} reason; for what reason?; for what purpose?

feelings People say `Why!' at the beginning of a sentence when they are surprised, shocked, or angry. Why hello, Tom

conj. for what reason; because of which

formulae You say why not in order to agree with what someone has suggested. `Want to spend the afternoon with me?' --- `Why not?'

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase `the whys and wherefores'

You use why to introduce a relative clause after the word `reason'. There's a reason why women don't read this stuff; it's not funny Unless you're ill, there's no reason why you can't get those 15 minutes of walking in daily. Why is also an adverb. He confirmed that the city had been closed to foreigners, but gave no reason why

You use why in questions when you ask about the reasons for something. Why hasn't he brought the whisky? Why didn't he stop me? `I just want to see him.' --- `Why?' Why should I leave?

{ü} Oh! (cry of surprise)

feelings You use why with `not' in questions in order to express your annoyance or anger. Why don't you look where you're going? Why don't they just leave it alone?

the whys and wherefores: see wherefores. used when you are surprised or have suddenly realized something

why in God's name

used to add emphasis to "why" when beginning question

Why in God's name have you got my pizza?.

why not

Used to state that one has no objection to and approves of a proposal

Let's have pizza for lunch. — Yes, why not?.

why not

Why is that not true?

I don't want to go out today. — Why not?.

why not

Used to introduce a proposal

Why not try turning the handle in the other direction to see if that opens the window?.

why on Earth

used to add emphasis to "why" when beginning a question

Why on Earth are you trying to accomplish anything here?.

why'd

Shortened form of why would

why'd

Shortened form of why had

why'd

Shortened form of why did

Why'd he wanna go and do a thing like that?.

why's

Shortened form of why is

Why's he doing that?.

why's

Alternative spelling of whys. plural form of why

why's

Shortened form of why has

Why's everyone gone home?.

why all the shooting ?

what are you so excited about?

why don't you find a job

what is the reason that you are not seeking employment; (Figurative) why don't you stop acting so lazy

why ever

why at all

why me?

why does it have to be me and not someone else? (expresses the speaker's surprise or confusion at having been chosen)

why not?

what's the reason not; how come?

why on earth

for what possible reason, why in the world

why on earth?

for what reason? in the name of God

why should I?

why me and not someone else?, what do I get out of it?

why so?

for what reason?, why is it that way?

I wonder why

I am interested to know why, I am curious

five why's

(Ticaret) A Japanese problem-analysis technique that asks 'why' five times when reviewing a problem or situation, with the belief that by the fifth 'why' the root cause will be discovered

noun why 3